I’ll be going on safari to Botswana with my best friend from kindergarten Wendy (Allen) Astrup and her husband Mark, who, after having spent a lifetime with the Natal Parks, are now glamping.

Before I complete my next book, The Flamboyant Years, I’ll refresh my sensibilities at Victoria Falls where the annual mayoral and famous national political conferences were held over the decades at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

I’ll also be spending some time in Johannesburg researching, browsing old book shops, seeing old friends and my brother David.

Vanessa Shapiro has offered to host a garden tea party on the morning of Saturday, 24 Sept at her lovely guest house in Abbotsford, Johannesburg. It’s just across the MI from Melrose Arch. It’s accessible and easy to find. So if you have enjoyed the blogs and live in the area do come along and enjoy the spring sunshine, flowers, and conversation.

A few copies of my book, Whitewashed Jacarandas, which you won’t find in a SA bookshop as yet, will be available.

Reply via comment below and I’ll send you directions closer to the time.

Charles, We’re counting on seeing you and Terese for tea on our deck here in Salishan this summer. I thought Cuba or Portugal were on your bucket list? But Kauai is gorgeous. When I first went there only a windsock, a bit of a grass runway and I think two hotels. Enjoy today’s luxury.

Hello Diana
Great news that you are visiting close to home, but I have some friends here who are very sad that you will not be visiting Kwekwe! Heather Theisen, Alice Cameron, Judy Skipwith and Barbara Wray would really love to see you….. and I am sure that there are many others, too.
If your schedule is not too tight, would it be possible, do you think, to make a flying visit to Kwekwe?
Would you perhaps have a few copies of your book available for sale? These ladies who knew you as a child and young girl would love to read it…. and our book club will be the richer for having a copy!
I do hope that you do not consider me too forward in sending you this message – it’s just that these ladies would really, really love to spend some time chatting to you and so I just had to put forward my request in the hopes of bringing them some joy!
Regards
Ilona Meyer

Ilona,
Thanks! So lovely of you to write and invite me to QQ. Yes, I’d love to see you all but I’m already booked Vic Falls (by road from Kasane) Sept 15-18 with a flight out at 12.40 on the 18th to Jo’burg. How about ya’ll coming up to the Vic Falls together and meeting me there? I’ll be staying at the Ilala Lodge. If you come I will carry books all the way through Botswana for you. Let me know. I am leaving the US on Aug 23. Perhaps Jenny Swift (nee Weymark) would join you too…

Gordon, Unfortunately Vanessa, the hostess for the tea, passed away while I was in Botswana. I had minimal access to the internet on my return and apologise for not checking my web site. The tea was moved to the Hyatt Regency in Rosebank and was great fun. I am so sorry you missed it. Andrew Barker was there, the son of Ken Barker the headmaster of QQJS.

The best way to obtain a copy of Whitewashed Jacarandas is on the Kindle from Amazon. It is USD 10.00 with instant delivery.